Neuer Bahkauvbrunnen, Bronze fountain in Old Town, Aachen, Germany
The Neuer Bahkauvbrunnen is a bronze fountain in Aachen's Old Town featuring a mythical creature mounted on a central column with water flowing from its body. The installation stands between Büchel and Nikolausstrasse, surrounded by a circular drainage system topped with metal grates.
The original fountain dating to 1904 was melted down during World War II, and the current modernized version was installed in 1967. This reconstruction reflects how the city rebuilt its landmarks and local heritage following the war.
The fountain depicts the Bahkauv, a legendary creature from Aachen's folklore that supposedly haunted water sources to frighten people passing by at night. Visitors can discover this local story through the sculpture in the Old Town and understand how residents once viewed their surroundings.
The fountain sits in the heart of the Old Town at a busy intersection and is easily accessible on foot from nearby attractions. Daytime visits offer the best view of the bronze sculpture and water features in action.
The modern sculpture resembles a feline predator rather than the traditional calf-like creature described in the old legends. This reinterpretation shows how artists transformed the tale of the Bahkauv into a contemporary art form.
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